Technical Details
Estate
The firm of E. Guigal, located in Ampuis, was founded in 1946 by Etienne Guigal. Since 1961 his son Marcel has led the estate, and his unparalleled work ethic and dedication to quality have brought attention to Cote-Rotie and other appellations throughout the Rhone that were in danger of being lost, and lifted the Guigal wines to the pinnacle of the wine world. Today, Marcel's son Philippe serves as Director and Oenologist, continuing the tradition of leadership in the Rhone Valley and uncompromising excellence.
Food pairing
Red meat, game and cheese.
Tasting notes
Color: Purple.
Nose: Intense nose dominated by peach and apricot with liquorice and notes of undergrowth.
Palate: Generous, powerful and full-bodied with a long elegant finish.
Overall: A frank attack, racy with soft tannic structure.
Technical data
Soil type: Ancient alluvia, red clay and gravel on the slopes.
Grape variety: 60 % Grenache, 20 % Syrah, 20 % Mourvedre.
Average age of vines: 40 years.
Winemaking: Traditional with lengthy maceration.
Ageing: 2 years in oak foudres of which 50% is new oak.
Average yield: 30 HL/hectare.
Vineyard
The vineyards of Gigondas are planted on hillsides at the foot of Mont Ventoux, directly north-east of the town of Orange in the southern Rhone Valley. The dry, stony slopes produce substantial wines that are deep in color, with flavors of ripe summer fruits and savory herbs.
Vinification
Marcel Guigal selects wines from small domaines to produce a blend which is true to the appellation, yet polished, refined, and capable of aging many years. The wines sees a traditional lengthy maceration and two years of aging in oak foudres, of which 50% is new. The blend in 2013 is 70% Grenache, 10% Mouvedre, and 20% Syrah.
Wine
Guigal's Gigondas is an incredible introduction to serious Southern Rhone reds, and a show-stopper at the price. In the hands of Guigal, the rich ripe fruit and savory character of the wine bursts with sheer pleasure, yet the wine displays terrific refinement, complexity, length and ability
to age. The Guigals have been deeply involved in Gigondas for well over 50 years, and it brings them great pleasure to see the increasing interest and appreciation of the appellation.